ICAI launches research hub in Hyderabad for innovation

The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) has launched a dedicated research hub at its Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Hyderabad to promote innovation and in-depth studies in key areas such as taxation, regional and rural development, foreign direct investment (FDI), economic growth, income and savings patterns, government policies, GST, employment, and sustainability.

The centre will focus on comprehensive analysis of topics like union and state budgets, certification standards for chartered accountants, financial literacy and inclusion, and the role of CAs in policymaking. It will also explore the relationship between good governance and ease of doing business. Insights generated will be shared with the government to aid in policy development, as per an ICAI



statement.

To lead this initiative, ICAI has appointed Dr Nupur Pavan Bang as the CoE Director-cum-Dean at Hyderabad. Dr Bang, an accomplished academic and researcher, is an expert in family business, finance, and data analytics.

Formerly the Academic Director at ISB's Thomas Schmidheiny Centre for Family Enterprise, she has also taught at Ashoka University and IIM Ranchi. Recognised as one of the Top 100 Women in Finance in India (2020), she holds a Post-Doctorate from ISB and a PhD in Finance.

Currently, ICAI operates Centres of Excellence in Hyderabad and Jaipur, with plans to inaugurate a third CoE in Kolkata by January 2025. Over the next three years, ICAI aims to establish eight additional CoEs across India, reinforcing its commitment to fostering research, innovation, and skill development.